Malabar Anisomeles Plant Care

Malabar Anisomeles (Anisomeles malabarica) belongs to the Lamiaceae family within the Anisomeles genus. Malabar Anisomeles is native to tropical and subtropical regions of India, and Sri Lanka.

Malabar Anisomeles displays an upright, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Malabar Anisomeles produces small tubular flowers in shades of purple, pink, or white.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Malabar Anisomeles every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Malabar Anisomeles thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Anisomeles malabarica tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Malabar Anisomeles prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Malabar Anisomeles to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Malabar Anisomeles every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Malabar Anisomeles is suited to USDA Zone 10a – 12b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Malabar Anisomeles can spread to about 2 ft (0.5 m) and reach about 2 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.5 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Malabar Anisomeles while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Malabar Anisomeles is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 10). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Malabar Anisomeles can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to indian anisomeles plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Malabar Anisomeles is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Malabar Anisomeles grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10a. Malabar Anisomeles is native to tropical and subtropical regions of India, and Sri Lanka. In cooler regions, grow Malabar Anisomeles as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.